One last look before we sign for Sunpower system

[PenguinSolar]

Thanks!

Actually, my $/watt is based on the CEC-AC rating where I think most people report the DC rating. So for SP it's around $5.40/watt for AC and since I'm sizing so small 4KW expect less discount but will definitely PM to compare notes . However that still won't solve the backlog so you'd miss the summer peak harvest window.

What I found from comparing about 12 quotes so far the $/KW-DC can tell you quickly how "good" a deal is. When it gets real close then can calc the CEC-AC KW number to get a more realistic power generation and if you're going after the CSI/SCE rebate this is what it's based on.

Gets more complicated if the installer takes the CSI rebate and fronts you or you get it directly from the utility. So in general just go by gross to find the best price.

I'm leaning toward Canadian Solar w/ Enphase or if I want US maybe Suniva with all their plants in the US. Even US brand panels manufacturer outside US. SP has a huge factory in Philipines for instance.

Again thanks for the info!

I had to move away from solarcity due to what I consider unnecessary re-roofing needs. I found a local SP dealer with really aggressive pricing at under $5watt. I wonder if you have chatted with them yet. I am in OC as well. Not enough posts for PM but feel free to contact me via e,ail. Tysonlee(eight eight_one)@mac_dot------com

Severum

[takeastep]

Just started looking into getting Solar. What are the difference between the black and white panels other then color. Does the white panels have a better aesthetic look?
Thanks

Thanks Again!

Rep got back to me a few days ago and stated the same thing. White X21's will not be in until October. We re-visited the contract and changed to X21's Black 335. They are in stock and ready for install. Looks like the wife and I need to pick a date soon

Here is the details of the re-negotiation:

Total system cost $35,456.00
CSI rebate about $1450.00
Fed tax credit $10,201.80
NET Cost $23,804.20

NEW Watts: 335x24 panels = 8040 VS
OLD Watts: 345x24 panels = 8280

Which works out at the same price per watt @$4.41 per watt & no new permits needed. They did give the option of adding a panel, for the total wattage difference, but I can live with 240 less watts..

[frizzlefry]

Just started looking into getting Solar. What are the difference between the black and white panels other then color. Does the white panels have a better aesthetic look?
Thanks

It's aesthetics and slight reduction in power output. We have a low pitch roof (3:12 run) and you can't see it from the street so don't really care about aesthetics. Our roof where it will be installed is also higher than the other houses in the area. With 3% more power output over the lifetime of the panels, the fact that we're staying in this house indefinitely (wife's dream kitchen and we just finished building it 2.5yrs ago), it's only a 2month delay (I hope), and a small price difference ($200), after reviewing the numbers, it's not worth it for us to go with the 335s. So... now we wait.

[Ionizer]

UPDATE: EVERYTHING IS IN! The install starts @7:00am Thursday this week and should finish by late Friday or early Saturday!
Glad we went with the X21-335 Blacks. Just got word from our installer and another rep we still talking too, that the X21-345 Whites are back logged until late January! OUCH. Some big company/conpanies must be using for a huge install somewhere?!

[frizzlefry]

UPDATE: EVERYTHING IS IN! The install starts @7:00am Thursday this week and should finish by late Friday or early Saturday!
Glad we went with the X21-335 Blacks. Just got word from our installer and another rep we still talking too, that the X21-345 Whites are back logged until late January! OUCH. Some big company/conpanies must be using for a huge install somewhere?!

I'm hearing different stories regarding the backlog. Don't want to put out any information out there until I hear back from Sunpower directly... but is anyone aware of any X21-345s installs that have occurred?

[Joker45]

We switched our deal to the 335B SP due to backorder. They will be in the warehouse within 8 days

What was the exact date that you switched your order? The reason I'm asking is I did the exact same thing two weeks ago and switched from the 345's to the 335's. I'm guessing mine should be in very soon. He told me 3 weeks when we switched the order instead of another 8-10 weeks waiting for the 345's.

[KRenn]

What was the exact date that you switched your order? The reason I'm asking is I did the exact same thing two weeks ago and switched from the 345's to the 335's. I'm guessing mine should be in very soon. He told me 3 weeks when we switched the order instead of another 8-10 weeks waiting for the 345's.

I've heard the same from friends at various solar companies. The issue is that SunPower has outsold its own manufacturing output, they are opening up new manufacturing lines and a new facility either late this year or early 2014 as there businesses seems to be booming at the moment.

[Ionizer]

What was the exact date that you switched your order? The reason I'm asking is I did the exact same thing two weeks ago and switched from the 345's to the 335's. I'm guessing mine should be in very soon. He told me 3 weeks when we switched the order instead of another 8-10 weeks waiting for the 345's.

We switched on 8/6/2013. Was told that the 335's would take 10-14 days before all parts are in and they would reduce the price to meet the per watt price of the 345's and if need be, ad a panel for the 200 watt less. At that same time, we were told the 345's would take until November. Now our installer and a competitor is stating the 345's are possible by January. (I'm sure the competitor was hoping we'd switch due to knowing we went with the 345's)



Just walked my roof today and fixed a few broken concrete tiles up there with lots of pictures taken. Wanted the roof perfect when they start tomorrow! (and yes, I've installed hundreds of concrete tile, comp shingle, gravel roofs for roofing contractors in my youth.)

[Joker45]

We switched on 8/6/2013. Was told that the 335's would take 10-14 days before all parts are in and they would reduce the price to meet the per watt price of the 345's and if need be, ad a panel for the 200 watt less. At that same time, we were told the 345's would take until November. Now our installer and a competitor is stating the 345's are possible by January. (I'm sure the competitor was hoping we'd switch due to knowing we went with the 345's)

Thanks. We switched within a day or so of you also. I think we switched on the 7th. Mine should be in anytime now. Good luck with your install!

[Joker45]

UPDATE: EVERYTHING IS IN! The install starts @7:00am Thursday this week and should finish by late Friday or early Saturday!
Glad we went with the X21-335 Blacks. Just got word from our installer and another rep we still talking too, that the X21-345 Whites are back logged until late January! OUCH. Some big company/conpanies must be using for a huge install somewhere?!

Did your install happen last week? I was told by my guy that my panels were delayed being shipped due to the big storm they had in last Monday or Tuesday in the Philippines.

[Ionizer]

Did your install happen last week? I was told by my guy that my panels were delayed being shipped due to the big storm they had in last Monday or Tuesday in the Philippines.

Yes! Installed all 24 x21's. Had the city final today which needs a few thing done for re-final tomorrow. Panels are very black and look great!

[Naptown]

Good for you
The x21's are getting hard to come by
The 20's are available however
Just closed a 10.1 KW for about 3.60 a watt

[Joker45]

Yes! Installed all 24 x21's. Had the city final today which needs a few thing done for re-final tomorrow. Panels are very black and look great!

Very cool! How long does it take for your power company to sign off and install a net meter?

I'm still waiting for mine to come in.

[Ionizer]

Very cool! How long does it take for your power company to sign off and install a net meter?

I'm still waiting for mine to come in.

Installer is quoting 30 days. Wife says about 40 days. She's usually right.

[Joker45]

Installer is quoting 30 days. Wife says about 40 days. She's usually right.

Sounds about right on all counts